Correct option is D
The Mahajanapadas are arranged geographically based on their location from north to south.
Kamboja (C): Located in the Hindukush mountains and parts of present-day Kashmir, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, it was one of the northernmost Mahajanapadas.
Gandhara (A): Situated in the region of modern-day northwest Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, with its capital at Taxila, Gandhara was located south of Kamboja.
Matsya (B): This kingdom was located in the Jaipur-Alwar-Bharatpur region of Rajasthan, placing it south of Gandhara and Kamboja, in a more central part of modern-day India.
Avanti (E): Corresponding to the Malwa region of modern Madhya Pradesh, Avanti was located south of Matsya. It was divided into northern (capital Ujjain) and southern (capital Mahishmati) parts by the Vindhya range.
Ashmaka (D): Ashmaka was the only Mahajanapada situated south of the Vindhya Range, on the banks of the Godavari River in modern Maharashtra and Telangana, making it the southernmost of the group.
Thus, (Kamboja) → (Gandhara) → (Matsya) → (Avanti) → (Ashmaka) correctly represents their order from north to south. Therefore, the correct option is (d).
Information Booster:
Kamboja
Location & Capital: Situated in the northwest (parts of modern Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kashmir). Capital: Rajapura (modern Rajouri).
Trade Hub: Strategically located on major trade routes connecting Central Asia and India.
Military Strength: Renowned for superior breed of horses and skills as cavalrymen; often hired by other nations.
Polity: Initially a monarchy, later adopted a republican form of government (mentioned in Arthashastra and Ashoka's Edict No. XIII).
Cultural Affinity: Shared close linguistic and cultural ties with Gandharas; had Indo-Iranian connections, potentially adhering to elements of Zoroastrianism.
Gandhara
Location & Capital: Located in modern-day northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. Capital: Taxila (Takshashila).
Center of Learning: Taxila University was a renowned international hub for scholars, associated with figures like Chanakya (Kautilya).
International Hub: Significant center for international commerce and a meeting point of diverse cultures (Achaemenid, Greek, Mauryan, Kushan).
Political History: Conquered by Persians (6th century BCE) and Alexander the Great (326 BCE); later incorporated into the Mauryan Empire.
Art Style: Famous for Gandharan Art, a unique style blending Hellenistic Greek and Indian traditions (Buddhist art).
Matsya
Location & Capital: Located in the Jaipur-Alwar-Bharatpur region of modern Rajasthan. Capital: Viratanagari (modern Bairat).
Mythological Connection: Deep roots in the Mahabharata; the Pandavas spent their final year of exile incognito in the court of King Virata.
Historical Development: Founded by a fishing community; mentioned as one of the 16 Mahajanapadas, but its political power had declined by the time of the Buddha.
Regional Influence: Sometimes influenced by or part of larger kingdoms like Chedi.
Avanti
Location & Capital: Located in the Malwa region of western Madhya Pradesh. Had two capitals: Ujjayini (modern Ujjain) and Mahishmati.
Strategic Importance: Positioned on key trade routes connecting northern and southern India.
Powerful Kingdom: One of the four most powerful kingdoms during the Buddha's time. King Pradyota the Fierce was a rival of Magadha's Bimbisara.
Annexation: Eventually annexed into the Magadhan Empire by Chandragupta Maurya. Ujjayini later became a provincial Mauryan capital and a center of Buddhism and Jainism.
Ashmaka (Assaka)
Southern Location: The only Mahajanapada entirely south of the Vindhya Range, located on the banks of the Godavari River (parts of modern Maharashtra and Telangana).
Capital: Potana or Potali (believed to be modern-day Bodhan in Telangana).
Rulers: Buddhist texts like Mahagovinda Suttanta mention King Brahmadatta.
Decline: Annexed the smaller kingdom of Mulaka; later incorporated into larger empires, leading to its decline.
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